Skook News Obituaries: May 4th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born to the late Michael and Susan (Kalyan) Hammer, Michael—known lovingly to family and friends as “Babe”—was also preceded in death by his wife of 38-years Sally Rose Hammer (Hopkins), his sister, Maryann Kersten, and his brother, Steve Hammer.
Babe is survived by his sister, Ellen Sinkovich and her husband George; his beloved companion of 22 years, Barbara Behrmann; his sons, Michael Hammer and his wife Michelle, and Brian Hammer and his companion Rachelle Freed. He was a proud grandfather to Michael Hammer and his wife Angelina, Alexis Hoffman and her husband Kevin, Justin Hammer, Nicholas Hammer, and Gabrielle Schane and her husband Cody. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Callie Rose Schane and Wesley Hoffman, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A devoted member of St. Michael Orthodox Church throughout his life, Babe generously volunteered his time tending bar and working in the kitchen—often rolling halupkies—in service to the church and for the greater glory of God. He was also a member of the St. Michael’s Citizens Club.
Babe was a lifetime member of the St. Clair Fish and Game Club, where he proudly served as an officer and trustee for several decades. He was also a member of Arnot’s Fish and Game and the Mechanicsville Game and Fish Association, where he especially enjoyed playing pinochle.
A 1959 graduate of St. Clair High School, Babe was an Army veteran who honorably served his country. Following his military service, he spent much of his working life in coal mining, a profession deeply rooted in his family history. He was last employed by Reading Anthracite before retiring in 2004. In addition, he worked alongside his sons through their family business, In and Out Contracting, taking pride in every job, no matter how small.
Babe loved the outdoors and treasured time spent with family and friends hunting and fishing. He especially cherished his time “up north” in Lycoming and Tioga counties, where he enjoyed visiting many camps over the years.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at St. Michael Orthodox Church, 106 North Morris Street, St.Clair, PA 17970 at 11AM with Very Rev. Jeff Zias, officiating. A military service will follow. Relatives and friends are invited to call from
10AM to 11AM on Friday morning at the church. Interment will be private in Mount Laurel Cemetery, Pottsville at the convenience of the family.
Babe will be remembered for his generosity, deep faith, strong work ethic, and the love he shared so freely with his family and friends.
The family would prefer donations that allow disabled veterans to enjoy the outdoors at Camp Freedom. Donations can be made online www.campfreedompa.org or mailed to Camp Freedom 284 Number 7 Road Carbondale PA 18407.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair is entrusted with arrangements.
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Born on February 18, 1955 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Kenneth and Grace Hoffman Kreiser.
He was a 1973 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School.
Randall worked for Penn Dye/Guilford Mills in Pine Grove.
He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove and a Phillies fan.
Surviving are a brother, Kevin and wife Patti Kreiser of Pine Grove; a sister, Kathy and husband Robert Rhen of Bethel; a niece, Kelly and husband Curtis Crouse; four nephews, Daniel and wife Megan Rhen, Bryan Rhen, Brett Kreiser and Nicholas Kreiser; aunts and cousins.
All Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 312 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements
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Suzanne Majeskie Wartella, 98, passed away peacefully while a resident of Providence Place in Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, March 2, 1928, she was the daughter of the late George and Mary Majeskie.
Sue was a 1946 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. She was a lifelong member of Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Minersville, and was active in Beta Sigma Phi service sorority for much of her adult life.
Sue had a long and successful career as an expert insurance agent for two prominent agencies in Pottsville.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Stephen who passed away in 1993. Sue was the last of the Majeskie siblings and was preceded in death by her nine cherished brothers and sisters.
Sue is survived by her children: David Wartella, husband to Patricia of Pottsville; Christine Wartella, wife of Michael MacInnis of Far Hills, NJ; and Carol Powell, wife of Curt of Phoenixville, PA. She is also survived by five grandsons and three great grandchildren, all of whom she treasured.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Providence Place, Hospice of Central PA, and Jean Ann Schwartz for their kind and loving care.
A funeral mass will be held at noon on Friday, May 8, at Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 107 S. 4th Street, Minersville, PA 17954. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. Interment will follow mass at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Llewellyn.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Providence Place Co-Worker Foundation, 1528 Sand Hill Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com.
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Darlene was born in Pottsville on January 30, 1955, and was the daughter of the late Adam G. & Elvina May (Lavenburg) Krasnitsky.
Married 54 years, she was the loving wife of Arthur Morgan.
Darlene was of the Protestant faith.
In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her daughter, Chris Morgan, St. Clair, grandson, Jeffrey Morgan, great-granddaughter, Allisen Morgan, and two siblings: Linda Wagner, wife of John, & James Krasnitsky, husband of Maureen.
In addition to her parents, Darlene is preceded in death by her brothers: Kenneth, Richard and George Krasnitsky, and sisters: Joanne Himmelberger and Georgine Rinehart.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 6th at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Jonathan Heim officiating. Friends and family are welcome to gather at the funeral home for visitation from 10:30 AM until the time of service.
Interment will be privately held.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Elmer was born in Frackville, on June 27, 1930, and the son of the late Elmer C. Davis, Sr. and Ellen Davis.
He was the widower of Gladys (Hughes) Davis, who passed away March 27, 2026.
He served in the U.S. Army.
Elmer was formerly employed as a machinist at Parkway Paper Box. He was also a caretaker for the Yuengling family and most recently, he was a greeter at Walmart.
Elmer is survived by his children Diana, Deborah, Emerson, Darlene, Roy and Paul; grandchildren; great grandchildren.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Grace Evangelical Congregational Church Jefferson St. & Stoyer Drive Schuylkill Haven, PA .
Services and interment will be held privately at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and George Meyer.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra Kramer (Haag), brother, Bruce Stidham and his wife Sharon, and his sister Linda Marx and her husband Charles.
He graduated from Pottsville Area High School in 1967. He worked at Griffith Ladder Co in Auburn and Burlington Homes in St. Clair before opening his own hobby shop, the Cressona Mall Speedway and Hobbyshop.
He enjoyed providing a place for radio-controlled racecar drivers to spend the day having fun. After retiring, he continued racing with his friends at a track he built at his home, although there was always more laughing than racing! He also loved line dancing with his friends, but again, probably more laughing than dancing!
A heartfelt thank you to the nurses and aides in the Dementia Unit at Providence Place in Pottsville. Elmer was very happy and content with the time he spent there. Also, thank you to the Compassus Hospice ladies who also took such good care of him.
He was so loved and will be missed by many.
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Obituaries from the past 7 Days
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
